AGAIAC 2026 / Biotope

#1379 Tributary of Taquari River

Afluente do rio Taquari, próximo à cidade de Coxim, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil.

Franttiesco de Paula Muciaccia • Brazil Guarapari, ES, Brazil

11 rank

Biotope Information

Este Biótopo representa um trecho de águas lentas de um afluente do rio Taquari, que faz parte da Bacia do Paraguai, próximo à cidade de Coxim no Mato Grosso do Sul-BR. Na margem do riacho, as raízes das arvores se fixam firmemente ao substrato, enquanto um aglomerado de raízes finas crescem e servem de abrigo para a vida aquática, o substrato composto principalmente de areia clara se mistura a uma camada de argila e detritos, nas raízes e troncos caídos se acumulam uma camada fina de detritos, biofilme e alga marrom, criando um visual terroso bem interessante. Próximo a margem nadam cardumes de tetras e pequenos ciclídeos, em especial cardumes de Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi espécie principal deste aquário biótopo. A principal referência visual para este projeto são os vídeos do canal Biotopia, em especial nos momentos em que é registrado a margem: Stream habitat of Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi (a partir do min 2:30) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1xxHiH1tns&list=PL9qtYF6yWH9a4X1WtXepmBno3eeo24DIl&index=18 Natural habitat of Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi (a partir do min 2:32) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBbdC-yuQ90&list=PL9qtYF6yWH9a4X1WtXepmBno3eeo24DIl&index=16 Outras referências: https://www.fishbase.se/summary/hyphessobrycon-herbertaxelrodi.html https://www.fishbase.se/Summary/SpeciesSummary.php?id=46712&lang=portuguese https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s?__biz=MzA4NzU2MzU5NA==&mid=2459180752&idx=2&sn=e7730d951a774a68bbde9e179d6ecf1c&chksm=875732f5b020bbe3ae4552ea96f9544e03ca9f9bc272a752a2cf0a28e88f8588acff84ac4731&token=1445306745&lang=zh_CN#rd

Franttiesco de Paula Muciaccia

Guarapari, ES, Brazil

Quick Stats

Style: Biotope
Size: 30x30x27 cm
Volume: 24 L (6.3 gal.)
Fish Species: 1

Biotope Location

Afluente do rio Taquari, próximo à cidade de Coxim, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil. (-18.522380,-54.757754)

Judges' Comments

This is an incredibly accurate representation of the natural environment of the Taquari Basin, a habitat I know personally from firsthand experience. My only significant reservation, and the reason I would score this entry slightly lower, is the relatively small size of the aquarium. I would have preferred to see this biotope recreated in a tank measuring at least 60 × 30 × 30 cm, which would have allowed for a more expansive representation of the habitat. Nevertheless, the ecological authenticity and attention to detail are exceptional, making this one of the strongest entries in the category.

— Tai Strietman

This is a beautiful aquascape, especially considering the limited space you had to work with. I particularly love the use and placement of the root, which adds character and a natural element to the scape. The Taquari River is a unique and ecologically diverse river system, and I think there may have been other habitats within the river that could have offered more interesting opportunities for representation. Exploring some of these alternative habitats might have provided an even greater appreciation of the river's ecological diversity.

— Kapil Mandrekar

An absolutely beautiful and incredibly natural-looking composition! The intricate network of roots and branches is exceptionally well done, and I particularly love how naturally the background blends into the habitat. It's one of the few aquariums where you could almost forget you're looking at a fish tank! This is clearly much more than a few sticks thrown into the water, and the attention to detail is fantastic. The fish choices are also very appropriate for the locality. Unfortunately, my main concern is the aquarium's size and shape, which don't do these species justice, particularly the shoaling black neon tetras. I would have loved to see this wonderful composition recreated in a larger aquarium with more swimming space. Fantastic work nonetheless!

— Rodrigo Silva

Come Grow with The Aquatic Gardeners Association.

Since 1985 the Aquatic Gardeners Association has been the standalone organization focused on promoting aquatic plants, education, aquascaping, and fostering the community of planted aquarium enthusiasts.

The Aquatic Gardener Magazine

Membership has its privileges—such as a subscription to the award-winning quarterly journal The Aquatic Gardener, available in both print and digital formats, access to the digital archive of all published issues as well as video from our convention speakers dating back 25 years. With more exciting projects on the horizon you’ll be part of a unique community of aquatic plant and aquascaping fans eager to expand our side of the aquarium hobby.

Become a member